BEHIND US

In elementary school, Maya and Lara Hammoud met their best friend, who has autism. As they spent more time together, they saw firsthand how difficult it was for him to feel safe and comfortable in environments that were not designed with his needs in mind. After helping build him a sensory room, they realized that spaces like these were rarely available in schools and public communities.

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Motivated to change that, Maya and Lara co-founded The Perception Foundation in 2020. The Perception Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

What began with a single sensory room has grown into a global movement. Today, The Perception Foundation is the world's largest youth-led nonprofit dedicated to neurodiversity and mental health, with programs that extend far beyond sensory spaces.

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We pursue our mission through four core initiatives:

• Building low-cost, high-impact sensory spaces

• Delivering educational workshops and training

• Hosting sensory-friendly community events

• Advocating for more inclusive policies, particularly for underserved communities

 

Our goal is simple. Every individual, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or neurodiversity, deserves the tools, spaces, and support they need to thrive.

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Our duck-rabbit logo reflects the heart of our mission. It can be seen in two different ways at the same time, reminding us that there is no single way to experience the world. By embracing different perspectives, we are working to build a new normal where every person is accepted, included, and celebrated.

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The Foundation is a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization - EIN: 93-4502067